Circular system needs flexible approach

Authorities in the UK should implement more flexible planning systems to support the waste management industry in its efforts to align more closely with the circular economy, a new report argues.

The Planning for a Circular Economyreport, published by the Environmental Services Association (ESA), calls on elected bodies to recognise the changing demands a circular system places on the waste industry.

ESA’s Policy Advisor, Stephen Freeland said: “Many local authorities need to let go of the strict control culture that has prevailed in one form or another since the landfill era and instead adopt a more responsive approach to planning for waste management which better recognises the variable and dynamic nature of the space in which our industry now operates. Our industry increasingly resembles that of any other logistics business with materials moved around as markets dictate.

“Few other sectors face the same planning and political obsession about the origin of material or commodities, and where these should be transported to. To hamstring the resource and waste management industry in such a way will likely hamper investment and progress towards the objectives of the Circular Economy”.